Isaiah 60:1-12

“Rise up in splendor and be radiant, for your light has dawned, and YAHWEH’s glory now streams from you! Look carefully! Darkness blankets the earth, and thick clouds covers the nations, but YAHWEH arises upon you and the brightness of his glory appears over you! Nations will be attracted to your radiant light and kings to the sunrise-glory of your new day. Lift up your eyes higher! Look all around you and believe, for your sons are returning from far away and your daughters are being tenderly carried home. Watch as they all gather together, eager to come back to you!” “Then you will see with understanding and be radiant. Your heart will be thrilled and swell with joy. The fullness of the sea will flow to you and the wealth of the nations will be transferred to you! Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels loaded with goods from Midian and Ephah. All the wealthy merchants from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and singing the praises of YAHWEH! All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you, and the rams of Nebaioth will be yours as acceptable sacrifices on my altar, and I will adorn with more glory my glorious temple. “Who are these who soar like clouds, flying like doves into their portals? Indeed, the distant islands eagerly look for me, with their large ships leading the way. They are bringing Zion’s children from afar. They come with offerings of silver and gold to honor the name of YAHWEH, your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you!” “Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will serve you. Even though I punished you in my anger, I will restore you in my gracious favor and show you my tender compassion. Your gateways will always remain wide open around the clock to let in the procession of kings bringing their constant stream of the riches of the nations. The nation or kingdom that refuses to serve you will perish and be utterly ruined.